A Comprehensive Pain Management Approach
The Persistent Pain Education Program is on a temporary hiatus. We are encouraging all of you who are interested in learning more about Pain and Self-Treatment to check out: https://www.oregonpainguidance.org/paineducationtoolkit/
Our Persistent Pain Education program is a series of eight presentations that educate people in a comprehensive, pain-management approach. Each 90-minute talk is led by a different healthcare professional including a physical therapist, clinical psychologist, clinical pharmacist, sleep specialist, dietitian and therapeutic yoga instructor.
This program helps people living with chronic pain to address multiple areas of self-management that can ultimately lead to decreased pain and improved quality of life.
Through this program you will learn to:
- Understand at least three changes that occur in our nerves and brain in a chronic pain state.
- Use at least two relaxation/breathing techniques to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension.
- Identify three foods to eliminate from your diet to reduce systemic inflammation.
- Identify three meals that promote reduced systemic inflammation and that can be easily prepared.
- Improve your mindfulness regarding your daily movement patterns, in the home and community, such that you continue to breathe deeply and keep your muscles relaxed during three different activities that normally cause you pain.
Registration
The Persistent Pain Education classes are always free, but registration is required. Please register online by filling out the form below. You can register at any point in the program.
We encourage you to attend as many classes as you can in order to get a comprehensive pain management education. We repeat this program at least once a quarter so you can retake missed classes or refresh your education.
Please note that the dates and instructors listed below are for our virtual Zoom classes. Please call us at 541-296-7319 to get details and class link. Dates and topics are subject to change, but we will make sure to update you when you register.
Schedule
To Be Determined
Please see below resources for all class content:
Explain Pain with Andy Roof, Physical Therapist
Taught by a physical therapist, this class covers the basic physiology of pain, what is happening in our brains and nerves when we feel pain, and how a “chronic” pain state develops in our nervous system. Research shows that people with persistent pain who learn about the science behind the changes in their nervous system are able to decrease their perceived pain level.
Nutrition & Pain Management with Tracy Dugick, Registered Dietitian
Chronic inflammation has been shown to be involved in multiple disease processes that are involved in creating a persistent pain condition. In this class, a registered dietitian will teach participants how eating properly can reduce inflammation in the body. A week’s worth of healthy, affordable meal ideas will be provided.
Medications for Chronic Pain, Part I with Eric Holeman, Pharmacist
This class is taught by a clinical pharmacist and covers proper pain management with prescription drugs. Topics covered also include opioid tolerance, dependence, addiction, and safe tapering or weaning techniques.
Medications for Chronic Pain, Part II with Eric Holeman, Pharmacist
This class builds on the previous week covering proper pain management with prescription drugs. Topics covered also include opioid tolerance, dependence, addiction and safe tapering or weaning techniques.
Moving out of Pain with Laurie VanCott, MSPT (Physical Therapist and Yoga Instructor)
Class participants will learn methods of movement that aid in addressing pain. Parts of the nervous system often become “wound up” when in constant pain. In this class we will explore how yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation can help to calm the nervous system and return it to a healthy state. Laurie VanCott, physical therapist and yoga instructor, will be teaching helpful movement therapies and providing simple relaxation techniques that can be performed as part of a daily self-treatment program.
Building Skills to Address Your Pain with Laurie VanCott, MSPT (Physical Therapist & Yoga Instructor)
This class builds on concepts from the previous class, Moving out of Pain. We will discuss the science and gain understanding on how our nervous system works and how to become active operators of our own bodies through breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Laurie VanCott, a physical therapist and yoga instructor, will be teaching helpful movement therapies, body scans, and simple relaxation techniques that can be performed to change your pain.
Sleep it Off: The Interaction Between Pain and Sleep with Dr. Paul Cardosi, Physician
Good sleep is beneficial for mind and body, but pain can get in the way and poor sleep may make coping with pain more difficult. This class will explore this relationship and also options for treatment.